autologous tumor-loaded dendritic cells

Autologous tumor-loaded dendritic cells are a form of cell-based personalized immunotherapy in which **dendritic cells obtained from the patient (autologous)** are loaded ex vivo with antigens from the patient’s own tumor—typically as tumor lysate or autologous tumor antigens—and then re-injected into the same patient as a vaccine. The aim is to stimulate the patient's immune system, particularly TH1/TH17 cellular responses and cytotoxic T cell activation, to recognize and attack tumor cells by presenting the full spectrum of tumor-associated antigens unique to the individual’s cancer. The approach is being developed and evaluated for treating various cancers, such as melanoma, glioblastoma, ovarian cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma. Clinical studies indicate favorable safety, feasibility, induction of immune responses, and potential for durable tumor regressions or improved survival. There are multiple formulation strategies (e.g., electroporation, co-incubation, lysate preparation), but all rely on the autologous source of both dendritic cells and tumor antigen[1][3][4][5][7][9].

Brand names

DCVax-L

Other names

autologous tumor lysate-loaded dendritic cellsDC-ATAautologous dendritic cells loaded with autologous tumor antigenstumor lysate-pulsed dendritic cell vaccineDCVax-L